Inflamed Bronchus in the Lungs

Causes

Asthma symptoms are caused by an increased sensitivity of the airways to certain triggers. The triggers cause the lining of the airways to swell and produce extra fluid called mucus. At the same time, the muscles around the outside of the airway tighten in response to the irritation. All of these reactions narrow the airways and make it difficult to breathe. This response is often referred to as an asthma attack.

Possible triggers of an asthma attack in a person with asthma include:

Your doctor may also do some
allergy tests
. The test will help determine if allergies are causing symptoms. The test may include skin pricks or blood tests.

Treatment

The
treatment
strategy for asthma includes:

Medications

Avoidance of allergens and irritants and control of contributing factors such as
gastroesophageal reflux
and
sinusitis

Regular assessment and monitoring

You and your doctor should also create an asthma action plan. This is a plan you will follow to help control your asthma and handle asthma attacks.

Asthma Medications

Medications Used to Control Asthma

These medications are used to relax the airways and keep them from tightening. Examples include inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists. The medications will help to avoid asthma attacks, but will not treat an existing attack.

Medications Used to Treat an Asthma Attack

These medications are used to treat an asthma attack. Examples include quick-acting beta agonists, anticholinergic agents, and corticosteroids.

Other Treatments

Prevention is an important step in asthma care. Allergy avoidance can be effective with asthma that is made worse by allergens. Some general tips for allergen avoidance include:

Avoid outside activities if there are high levels of air pollution, pollen, or mold spores.

Keep your windows closed during seasons with high pollen or mold spores. Air conditioning may help filter out allergens during warm seasons.

Consider getting a portable HEPA unit air cleaner to use in sleeping areas.

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing asthma because the cause is unknown. However, you can help prevent asthma attacks by avoiding things that trigger your attacks.
Triggers can vary from person to person but some general guidelines include:

Avoid strong chemicals or odors like perfume.

Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during days with high air pollution, a high pollen count, or a high ozone level.

Breathing exercises and or retraining techniques in management of asthma. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website. Available at:
http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/222/1251/CER71_BreathingExercises_FinalReport_20120905.pdf. Accessed August 21, 2014.

Medical effects of mold exposure. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website. Available at
http://www.aaaai.org/media/resources/academy_statements/position_statements/mold.pdf. Published February 2006. Accessed August 21, 2014.

Flu and people with asthma. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/asthma/. Updated September 25, 2013. Accessed August 21, 2014.

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